Vitamin Sea Addict

Hello all!

This fall we will have a large family traveling to FLL to cruise out on Carnival. We will be getting into FLL airport late (8pm) and would like to find an airport that is a) not too far from the airport so we still have some awake time there b) a pool for the kids to burn off some steam at before bed and c) onsite restaurant etc for a late dinner since our connecting flight into FLL will not likely give us time for dinner. We're ok with $2-250 per night if it has the right amenities. 

Thanks!

Thanks all! I will post on port of call boards later but they tend to be so slow compared to this board that I wanted to start here.

So we had a change of plans and had some time this summer open up--so we booked a cruise that goes to Amber Cove, St. Thomas, San Juan and Grand Turk.

These are all new ports for us which means we usually lean towards Carnival excursions but these all seem like fairly non-sketchy ports so I'm open to looking at outside excursion vendors.

I'd love to hear what you've enjoyed (or not) in each port. Feel free to suggest Carnival or non for excursions!

Thank you!!

I've been on the Vista twice and haven't seen them.....we get Cheers so I suppose we could've missed them 😉

So....call me a planner....or overzealous....whatever floats your ship 😉 But, we have a cruise booked with family that will be at Curacao in October and we've booked one just us and our kids (7&9) for March 2020. Right now, our family is really into the idea of excursions in October with sea turtles etc (which we're totally on board for). But, because we know we're going back on our own six months later, we'd love to hear ALL of your favorite excursions. We may end up using them for October or March. Both times will involve kids (ages 6-12 in October and our 7 & 9 in March).  Everyone is VERY excited but also very "information driven" people so the more real people experiences you can provide will be awesome. We're happy with experiential ones as well as the best beach to chill on (all-inclusive or not).

Thanks!

14 minutes ago, klfrodo said:

Thank you for not asking if the doors are magnetic. 🙂

How do you know who they will be?

1 minute ago, sanmarcosman said:

There's inspiration for you here.

Yeah, I saw that when I searched. But, it had a lot of words vs pictures so I thought I would try again to catch more/newer people. Thanks though!

The pictures post got me thinking, I'd love to see how you've decorated your stateroom doors! Looking for some ideas/inspiration!

Thanks!

Vista in October

If you're doing Cheers, you may just want to wait and get bottles of water that way---if you can wait until the next day (assuming a Galveston departure). We ordered a 12 pack and quickly realized that with every Cheers drink we could order a water at the same time and didn't really need it. They weren't cold when delivered anyway so it wasn't as if they were immediately accessible. Just a thought!

We're taking Dock and Bay microfiber towels this time because having to haul 4 Carnival towels is too much to carry around (since our kiddos can't carry as much and they're super heavy when wet). I know it's a personal preference thing but I'm really looking forward to the space it'll clear up in the backpacks when we're heading to beach things. We'll only be using them for excursions etc.

We're take snorkeling vests (inflatable) for us and our kids (6 & 8 ) when we go snorkeling in a few weeks. It helps us not have to work as hard (so we can enjoy the view) and we don't have to worry as much about our kiddos. We got them on Amazon.

I've seen multiple people order more than one entree--especially the males I've traveled with since portions are small--and never seen them waste it. I agree with those who try a second entree as a way to try something new. I'm always encouraging my children to try new foods and this is one way that they can try it. And trust me--someone is always waiting to finish it. 

We leave at the end of March on the Vista on this same route---LOVED hearing your thoughts and experiences. And drink pics 🙂 Thanks so much!

Anyone know typical taxi fare from port to DC beach? We're planning to go on our own (vs a purchased excursion) but I would love to know what is a typical taxi fare there so we don't get ripped off (and can plan for cash).

Thanks!

4 minutes ago, Saint Greg said:

Miami Vice

That's my favorite day drink....just enough icy goodness to "hydrate" me until the evening. Jealous!!

11 minutes ago, Saint Greg said:

Brunch 

 

 

True that the specialty juices are included in Cheers?

11 hours ago, BENHANDEL said:

We went to Cucina and Jiji. We started at Jiji, but 3 of the 5 of us wanted the other, so they went to Cucina to order and brought it back to eat at Jiji. We were there about 12:30 and there were lots of tables at both. After lunch we wandered down to the lido buffet to grab dessert and it was PACKED. 

So there was no issue with having food from one in the other? We didn't go to either on our last cruise so I cannot picture them but in my head it seemed like you would have to pick one versus the other. One of my kiddos would love to do Cucina while the rest of us did JiJis

Havana pool area.....available to anyone after 7pm.....

but does this include kids? With Havana rooms being ages 12+, I wasn't sure if kids were okay after 7pm. And "someone" has a differing opinion than me so I figured here would be the best place to ask.

Thank you!

Thank you!

On our last cruise we used Cheers and did a lot of *cocktail* and a water orders. We also did other zero-proof drinks at random times (grabbing a gatorade etc) without ordering alcoholic drinks. But--can I order a cocktail and any of the zero-proof drinks at the same time? I know there is a wait time between alcoholic drinks but in hindsight I would like to be able to grab a cocktail and a gatorade/energy drink when I'm heading back to our room. Anyone know?

Following. We are doing this same itinerary on Vista March 24

We're out of Galveston on the Vista on March 24 with a 12-12:30 boarding time. Zone of A2.  We sailed out of there in October with no zones so I have no clue what it actually means. I figure they'll tell us what to do but the detail side of me wants to know what the plan is 🙂

I must be in the minority because I'd rather have more shelving as a "hack" than more hanging space. Especially to help separate each cruiser's stuff.